Inspection equipment



Nov. 5, 1940. A. J. KIZAUR 2,220,246

INSPECTION EQUIPMENT Filed May 28, 1938 2 Sheets-Shed? INVENTORATTORNEYS.

Patented Nov. 5, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE INSPECTION EQUIPMENTArthur J. Kizaur, Cicero, Ill, assignor to General Electric X-RayCorporation, Chicago, 111., a corherent functions of the invention willbecome apparent as the same is more fully understood from the followingdescription, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,discloses a preferred form of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the inspection equipment embodying thepresent invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional View taken substantially along the line 2--2 inFigure l; and

Figures 3, 4, and 6, respectively, are sectional views takensubstantially along the lines 3-3, 4-4, 55 and 66 in Figure 2.

To illustrate the invention, the drawings show inspection equipmentcomprising a source of X- rays in position to direct rays upon alight-sensitive screen I I, the source of light being preferablyenclosed in a casing I3, impervious to X-rays and provided with a windowI5 through which the light may emerge from the casing I3 in a directionto impinge upon the screen I I.

The equipment is mounted preferably upon a mobile carriage whereby thesame may be readily moved into position beneath a vehicle, with the tirecarrying rim of the wheel to be inspected extending between the WindowI5 and the screen II. To this end, the light source casing I3 and thescreen I I are supported on a dolly preferably comprising angle-irons I1and castings I9 suitably secured together, as by welding or otherwise,and provided with preferably roller casters 2| to facilitate moving thedolly and the equipment supported thereon. The dolly may also comprisesuitable, preferably sheet-metal, means 23 carried on the frame andforming a platform upon which the casing I3 is secured.

The casing I3 may be mounted at the rear of the dolly While the screenII is preferably mounted in a frame 25 which is attached on a panel 2'!comprising X-rays impervious material, the. screen being attached on theside of the panel facing the window I5, the screen I I being secured onthe panel 21 opposite a screen opening 29 in the panel and through.which the screen II is visible from the side of the panel facing awayfrom the source of X-rays. The panel 21 is mounted on and at the forwardend of the dolly in position such that a space is provided between thewindow I5 and the panel II of suflicient size to receive a tire forinspection therebetween.

Application May 28,

6 Claims.

The present invention relates in general to inspection apparatus, andhas more particular reference to X-ray inspection equipment, theinvention pertaining specifically to equipment for 5 inspecting tires,such as the resilient, usually pneumatic, tires commonly used onautomotive vehicles.

An important object of the present invention is to provide improvedinspection equipment of the character mentioned; a further object beingto provide equipment adapted for the inspection of Wheel-mounted tireswithout removing the same from the Wheel.

Another important object is to provide equipment for inspecting amovable object, including readily operable means for marking the objectat desired places therein during inspection; a further object being toprovide means operable to scuff the object for the purpose of markingthe same.

Another important object is to provide apparatus for inspecting vehiclewheel mounted tires, including a dolly of improved construction carryingthe inspection equipment to facilitate the positioning of the equipmentfor inspection of a mounted tire; a further object being to providemeans on said dolly and readily connectible with the tire carrying wheelof the vehicle, in order to turn the wheel to move the tireprogressively through an inspection field.

Among the numerous other objects is to provide readily operable meansfor anchoring, as on a floor, a movable dolly carrying inspectionequipment; to arrange the inspection equipment on a movable supportframe, including shielding means formed and arranged so that theequipment cannot be operated save from a position with respect tosuitable screening means, wherein the operator is entirely protectedagainst the possibly deleterious effects of X-ray exposure; and toutilize the X-ray screening means as a panel having a source of X-rayson one side in position to impinge upon a fluoroscopic orlight-sensitive screen carried on the panel, the panel serving as asupport for operative equipment extending on the side thereof oppositefrom the source, and including a switch controlling said source, amarking device, a tire moving device, and a sighting sleeve permittingthe screen to be viewed only from a position in which the operator isentirely protected against X-rays emanating from said source, thecontrol switch being mounted in place operable only when the operator isin a safely screened position.

Numerous other objects, advantages and in- In order to use the equipmentfor tire inspectire 24 sufficiently to permit the equipment to be loadedinto position with the lower portions of the tire 24 extending betweenthe window l5 and the screen H, substantially as shown in Figure 4 ofthe drawings.

The panel 2? is secured on the dolly in any suitable or convenientfashion, as by Welding or bolting it to the angle-irons IT.

The panel 21 is preferably formed as a casting and forms the forwardcross-piece of the dolly frame, and the castings l9, which formsupportsfor the front support rollers 2|, may be cast integrally withthe panel in the lower portions thereof.

Above the window 29, and preferably in line with the medial verticalaxis thereof, the panel 21 is preferably formed with an integralprojection 3| forming an inclined sleeve having an opening extending atan inclination downwardly through the panel from the front thereof, andthis sleeve 31 serves to support a marking device 33 which is shown indetail in Figure 3 of the drawings and which comprises a support sleeve35 extending through and fastened in the sleeve in any suitable manner,and preferably in demountable fashion as by means of the set screw 31.The sleeve 35 contains a plunger 39 having an end 4| projecting from thelower end of the sleeve 35 and carrying a marking head 43 in positionnormally extending adjacent the upper edge of the screen H.

The projecting portion 41 of the plunger is provided with meanspreferably comprising a collar 45 defining a shoulder on the plunger inposition to engage the bottom of the sleeve 35 and limit the upwardmovement of the plunger in the sleeve.

Within the sleeve is arranged yielding means preferably comprising ahelical spring 4! encircling the plunger within the sleeve 35 andbearing at one end on the lower end of the sleeve and at the other endupon a shoulder 39 formed adjacent the upper end of the plunger withinthe sleeve 35, so that the spring normally tends to urge the plungerupwardly in the sleeve to retracted position wherein the collar 45engages the lower end of the sleeve and limits the retractive movementof the plunger.

The plunger has an end extending outwardly of the upper end of thesleeve, said end being provided with a manually operable head 5| whichmay be pushed by the operator from a position in front of the panel 21to move the marking head 43 downwardly at an angle into the'spacebetween the screen I I and the window [5, whereby said head when somoved may mark the article being inspected, as by scuffing the same,within the inspection field so that an observer watching the image ofthe article being inspected on the screen I I may observe the markingoperation.

The panel 21 carries an observation sleeve 53, comprising a sheet-metalshell preferably comprising material impervious to X-rays and arrangedin the form of a truncated pyramid, the base of said truncated,pyramidal shell defining an opening preferably corresponding with thepanel opening 29, the shell, in the illustrated embodiment, havinginturned marginal flanges defining said opening 55, said flanges beingsecured to the forward surface of said panel as by bolting the partstogether or otherwise, around the panel opening 29.

The observation sleeve or shell 53 extends outwardly and preferablyupwardly of the opening 28 and has an outer end formed with an opening51, the inspection sleeve carrying eye-shade means 59 at said openingand comprising preferably an annular cuff of preferably flexiblematerial, such as sponge rubber, the outer edge of which is shapedgenerally to fit the occular area of the face of an observer.

The upper or occular end of the observation sleeve 53 also prefarablycarries a manually-operable control switch 6| which is connected withthe light producing equipment in the casing l3 by suitable cable means63 which preferably extends from the switch 6| within the sleeve 63,thence through the panel 21 and beneath the platform 23, thence throughsaid platform to a casing 65 adjacent the housing l3 which contains theusual equipment and connections for powering and controlling theoperation of the source of X-rays within the housing l3.

The switch 6| preferably provides the ultimate control for operation ofthe light source so that X-rays may be caused to pass through the windowl5 and onto the screen I! only when the switch BI is held closed by theoperator in position to make an observation through the sleeve 53, theswitch 6| being of a character normally biased, as by means of a spring,toward open position, so that the operator, of necessity, is required tooccupy a safe position in front of the panel 2'! properly screened fromX-rays whenever the light source is in operation to project X-rays.

The source of X-rays may be energized under the control of the switch(it through the control equipment contained within the casing 65 bymeans of a cable 61 provided with means for connecting the same with anysuitable source of electrical power, such as a commercial powerdistribution network. 7

The panel 21 is also preferably provided with means adapted forconnection with a wheel 22, in order that the same may be turned by theoperator to advance the tire within the inspection field, withoutrequiring the operator to leave a safe position in front of the panel,as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

The wheel turning means comprises a preferably threaded cap 69 adaptedfor threaded engagement on the valve stem ll of the tire beinginspected, the cap 69 being connected preferably by the flexible cords13 with a rotating carrier 15 mounted on the panel and drivinglyconnected with a manually-operable handle 11 on and extending forwardlyof the panel 21 in position to be turned by the operator, withoutleaving observing position at the occular end of the observation sleeve53.

The rotatable carrier I5 is adapted to move the cap 69 when the same isattached on a valve stem H in a circular path and thus cause the wheel22 to turn, the flexibility of the connector 13 being such asto permitthe device to function successfully upon wheels of varying size. Theeffective length of the connector 13 also may be adjusted to accommodateoversize wheels, and to this end the cap 69 is turnably mounted in acup-shaped carrier 19 having aligned openings 8| through whichthe cord73 may extend, the medial portions of the cord being clampingly securedin place bymeans of a plug 83 within the element 19 and formed with achannel through which extends the cord 13, the cord being held in placein the plug 83 as by means of aset-screw 35-. The opposite ends ofthecord 13 are adjustably secured as by means of setscrew clamps 81formed on the ends of arms 89 which inturn are fastened on and in.positio'n extending radially of the rotating frame I5.

The frame I5 preferably comprises a relatively large gear. supported forrotationon a stub axle 9I which in turn is fastened .in the .panel 2]preferably on the medial vertical axis-thereof above and in line withthe marking device 33, and the arms 89 preferably make an angle ofninety degrees with each other on the gear I5.

The driving handle TI is preferably arranged in the form of a crank upona stub axle journalled in the panel 21 and carrying a driving pinion 93in position extending behind the panel and drivingly connected with thegear I5 in any suitable fashion, as by means of the chain 95.

It will be seen from the foregoing that after the equipment is arrangedin poSitin,-.With the cable 6'! connected with a suitable source ofelectrical power and with the cap 69 connected with the wheel, the tire24 may be subjected completely to Y-ray inspection by an operator whoremains in safe position at the occular end or the inspection sleeve 53.To make the inspection, the operator presses the switch BI and views theimage of the tire upon the screen H through the sleeve 53. When in suchobserving position, the operator is entirely protected from X-rays byvirtue of the impervious character not only of the panel 21 but also ofthe observing sleeve 53. In making the inspection, the operator may turnthe wheel to advance the tire progressively in front of the panel II bymanipulating the crank I! but without leaving the safe observingposition.

If any defect is noted in the tire under inspection, the same may bemarked on the tire by depressing the handle of the marking device.Depressing the handle 5| causes the marking head 43 to project into theinspection field so that the image of the marking head may be seen onthe screen II by the observer as the mark is made. The observer thus maysee whether or not the mark is applied exactly opposite the tire defect.Operation of the marking device also is accomplished by the observerwithout leaving the safe inspecting position.

Since the equipment is mounted on a'mobile carriage or dolly, it isdesirable to provide for anchoring the equipment immovably after thesame has been in position to accomplish tire inspection. To this end thecarriage or dolly is provided with downwardly extending brackets 9!which may be secured, as by welding, upon the under side of the lateralangle pieces I! comprising the frame. These brackets form jo rn f rsupporting a shaft 99 having arms IOI fitted with feet I03 in positionto engage the floor on which the dolly rests. These feet I03 maycomprise rubber or other means adapted to frictionally engage the floorto anchor the dolly in place when the feet are depressed. The feet arenormally carried in raised or retracted position by yielding meanspreferably comprising helical springs I05, each anchored at one end onlugs I07 on the dolly frame and at the other on an arm I09 formed on theshaft 99.

In order to depress the feet, means is provided for rotating the shaft99 against the retractive urge of the springs I05, and in theillustrated embodiment this is accomplished by means of a stem I IIhaving an end threaded in a sleeve II3 preferably formed integrally onthe panel 21, the end of the stem III extending in position to bear uponone of the arms I0l so that by advancing the stem III as by turning itin the sleeve --I I3, the'shaft 99 may. be rotated in a direction toproject both of the feet I03 downwardly, in

order to lift the forward rollers 2I of the dolly frame from the floor,thereby anchoring the dolly in place.

For. manipulative convenience, the stem III is arranged in positioninclined forwardly of the panel 27, the ,upper end of the stem III beingrotatably supported in a projecting lug I I5 preferably integralwith andforming a part ofthe that numerous changes may be made in the form,

construction and arrangement of the several parts. without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention, or sacrificing any of itsattendant advantages, the form herein described being a preferredembodiment for the purpose of illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. Inspection apparatus for vehicle mounted tires, comprising a supportframe adapted to extend beneath a vehicle mounted tire, a shield on saidframe in position to extend on one side of the tire, said shield beingsubstantially impervious to X-rays and having an opening in positionopposite said tire, a screen comprising a substantially verticallyextending panel sensitive to X-rays on said shield at said opening, asource of X-rays on said frame and spaced from said shield and screenand mounted in position to extend on the side of said tire opposite fromsaid shield in substantially horizontal alignment with the upperportions of said screen, in position to direct X- rays through saidtire, substantially horizontally toward the upper portions anddownwardly upon the lower portions of said screen, said screen beingvisible in said opening from an inspection station on the side of saidshield remote from said source of X-rays, said frame comprising a mobilecarriage to facilitate arrangement thereof in position beneath a vehicleto permit inspection of a wheel mounted tire thereon, and anchoringmeans on said frame and operable from the side of said shield remotefrom said source for immobilizing said carriage in tire inspectingposition.

2 Inspection apparatus as set forth in claim 1, including tire markingmeans on said frame adjacent said tire and movable from a retractedposition into marking contact with the tire, and means operable entirelyfrom the side of said shield remote from said source for so projectingsaid marking means.

3. Inspection apparatus for vehicle mounted tires, comprising a supportframe adapted'to extend beneath a vehicle mounted tire, a shield on saidframe in position to extend on one side of the tire, said shield beingsubstantially impervious to X-rays and having an opening in positionopposite said tire, a screen comprising a panal sensitive to X-rays onsaid shield at said opening, a source of X-rays on said frame and spacedfrom said shield and screen and mounted in position to extend on theside of said tire opposite from said shield in substantially horizontalalignment with the upper portions of said screen, said screen beingvisible in said opening from an inspection station on the side of saidshield remote from said source of X-rays, marking means comprising amovable member on said frame and normally held in retracted position,said marking means having tire marking portions adapted to engage saidtire when said marking means is projected from retracted position, andactuating means operably connected with said marking means forprojecting the same from retracted position for marking the tire, saidactuating means being manually operable on the side of said shieldremote from said source of X-rays.

4. Inspection apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said markingmeans comprises a stem having a tire marking tip facing the tire, saidstem being axially movable from its retracted position toward the tireupon operation of said actuating means.

5. Inspection apparatus for vehicle mounted tires, comprising a supportframe adapted. to extend beneath a vehicle mounted tire, a shield onsaid frame in position to extend on one side of the tire, said shieldbeing substantially impervious to X-rays and having an opening inposition opposite said tire, a screen sensitive to X-rays disposed atsaid opening, a source of X-rays on said frame and spaced from saidshield and screen in position to extend on the side of the tire oppositefrom said shield and to direct X-rays through said tire and onto saidscreen, said frame comprising a mobile carriage to facilitate thearrangement thereof in position beneath a vehicle to permit inspectionof a wheel mounted tire thereon, anchoring means on said frame andoperable from the side of said shield remote from said source forimmobilizing said cariage in tire inspecting position, and tire turningmeans adapted for driving connection with said mounted tire and operableon the side of said shield remote from said source to progressively turnthe tire in place and move the same between the source and said screen.

6. Inspection apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said tireturning means comprises a turnable member rotatable on said shield andhaving a fitting for detachable connection with the vehicle wheel forturning the sam and the tire thereon.

ARTHUR J. KIZAUR.

